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Over the past four decades, the economic and trade relationship between the United States and China has been dramatically transformed, growing from about $2 billion in 1979 to approximately $612.5 billion in 2017. This places it among the most important bilateral economic relationship in the international economy. Now, however, that relationship is fraught with tensions due to differentials in growth, trade frictions and enforcement of trade rules along the technological frontier.

Despite an improved outlook, it is possible that the U.S. political authority will trigger a six-month review period for exiting the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) sometime during the next 90 days. At stake is more than $1 trillion in cross-border trade and more than 14 million jobs across three economies. While Mexico has the largest exposure to such an event—in the case of a hasty exit, its economy could contract 2.9 percent in 2019—both the United States and Canada have significant direct and indirect exposure to such a radical shift.

Misperceptions about flood risk have kept many people from buying protection from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or the private insurance market.

2017 failed to produce any break in the private markets trends observed in 2016.

The motivating factors behind the raised values in the real estate market are threefold: to diversify real estate holdings, move to a new product type, or exit the market altogether. Whether this indicates a peak in the market or frothiness in certain product types or geographic areas, tax-deferred exchanges provide commercial property owners with alternatives that allow for continued investment in real estate while delaying the tax consequences of outright sales.

Hiring a domestic worker touches on multiple areas of law. Thinking through all the potential problems that might arise, and taking any precautionary actions possible, will only help you and your family. Entering into these relationships thoughtfully, and managing them with care may support the best outcome.

Trump kicked of the month of March by announcing import tariffs of 10% on aluminum and 25% on steel. The U.S. financial markets, as expected, reacted negatively to the initial announcement with the Dow Jones Index falling over 400 points and major aluminum and steel users such as Ford and GM being particularly hard hit. Canada and the EU, the two largest exporters of steel to the United States, came out strongly against the tariffs, with the EU proposing retaliatory actions on certain U.S. goods in response. The current developments are unlikely to lead to a trade war.

Diversity of perspectives, experiences, cultures, genders and age is essential to any U.S. organization’s success today. It’s that collection of differences that pushes a company’s ability to innovate and grow in a fast-paced, competitive environment. Learn where they stand, what they’re doing now and what they can do to move forward.

U.S. economic momentum, already positive, will increase further due to the tax package. Interest rates are likely to rise throughout the year posing a headwind for longer duration core bonds. Equity valuations are underpinned by the interest rate and macro environment, but continued increases would become more concerning if inflation makes a comeback. Europe and Japan are also gaining momentum and are earlier in their economic cycles, contributing to the global synchronized growth. Individual risks are moderate, but collectively could pose a challenge, particularly in the second half.

Bitcoin looks here to stay, but will it be a niche or something more? The analogy to gold is useful, but with notable differences.